Iranian film-maker Asghar Farhadi's The Beautiful Citywalked away with the top prize, the Golden Peacock, in the Asian competitivesection of International Film Festival of India which concluded in Goa onDecember 9.

The film is the story of a sixteen year old murderer who hasreceivedthe death penalty but is being held in prison until he is legally old enough tobe executed. To try to save him from the death penalty, his sister and friendtry to obtain a pardon from the victim's family. Earlier this year, BeautifulCity also took the best film prize at the Warsaw International FilmFestival.

The Silver Peacock for the most promising Asian directorwent to Thailand's Ekachai Uekrongtham for his Beautiful Boxerwhile the special jury award was bagged by Iranian actor Farmarz Gharibian forhis role in The Beautiful City. More than 60 films took part in thecompetitive category of the Festival

Meanwhile the head of the Jury and acclaimed Indian filmdirector Mani Ratnam complained of chest pain and was taken ill shortly beforethe prize giving ceremon at the festival.

Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddyannounced Goa would continue to be the venue for the International FilmFestival of India next year.

Speaking at the concluding function of the 35thinternational film festival here, Reddy said: 'Goa, with its goldenbeaches, sun, manifold rivers, green hills and cosmopolitan culture has turnedout to be an unsurpassable venue'.